updated 07:50 am EDT, Thu July 10, 2008

Kodak Zi6

Kodak this morning launched a slew of new devices that start with the company's first-ever pocket video camera. The Zi6 follows in the wake of the Flip Mino and Vado but is the only one of the three to support recording HD video: the Zi6 can capture widescreen 720p, even at 60 frames per second (twice that of normal video). It also has more headroom than the built-in flash of rivals and uses SDHC cards to store up to 32GB of footage.

In keeping with the philosophy of most pocket cameras, Kodak's entry is designed to attach directly through a flip-out USB cable and will upload YouTube-ready video directly from the camera; Arcsoft video editing software is also bundled with the Zi6 for those who want more control but don't have software of their own. Pre-supplied cables let users preview the raw video at full resolution from an HDTV.

Kodak powers the Zi6 through disposable batteries and plans to ship the camera in late September for $180 in black and pink colors.